Two young brothers from suburban Minnesota are quietly building a model of patriotism and personal responsibility that puts many adults to shame, turning a simple lemonade stand into a powerful engine of support for Americas veterans.
Noah Dingels, 11, and his 8-year-old brother, Cole, of Eden Prairie, Minnesota, launched their stand five years ago at a local golf tournament hosted by Tee It Up for the Troops, a nonprofit that backs U.S. service members returning from war. As reported by Fox News, the national organization runs tournaments across the country to fund its six-pillar mission, which includes PTSD and traumatic brain injury support, suicide awareness and prevention, employment, sports and recreation, housing and family and caregiver assistance.
The boys first foray into fundraising came when they set up a modest table and cooler at the community event, unsure of what to expect. "I really liked it, it's cool to see the veterans and present the money at the end of the night," Noah told Fox News Digital, recalling that first year in an interview alongside Cole and their mother, Angela.
Cole, still in elementary school but already learning the value of service, summed up his reaction in simple terms that speak volumes about the character being nurtured in their home. "Honestly, it felt good," Cole added.
That first year, the brothers raised $359 a respectable sum for two children selling lemonade, but more importantly, a spark that ignited their ambition to do more. Since then, through persistence, creativity and community support, they have brought in an astonishing $60,000 for Tee It Up for the Troops.
"It feels like a lot, and it's fun to do it," Noah said, reflecting a blend of youthful enthusiasm and a maturing sense of duty. What began as a small act of charity has evolved into a sustained effort that many adults, and certainly many institutions, would struggle to match.
Over time, the boys expanded beyond lemonade, adding candy bars and golf balls to their offerings to better serve the tournament crowd. Snickers bars, they noted with a smile, have emerged as the clear favorite among players looking for a quick treat between holes.
Their stand has also attracted local sponsors who now contribute financially, recognizing that these young entrepreneurs are channeling free-market initiative toward a cause rooted in gratitude and respect for those who served. The result is a small-scale but powerful example of how private citizens, not government mandates, can step up to meet real needs in their communities.
"The lemonade stand has always been about giving back, and so the boys have done a great job of using their time and talents every year to show their patriotism and show their gratitude to our veterans," their mother Angela said. She described the effort as "contagious," noting that classmates, sports teammates and neighbors regularly stop by the stand to donate, volunteer or simply offer encouragement.
"It's been a really cool opportunity," she continued. "During the event, they get to meet different veterans, thank them for their service and show their love for our country."
One of those veterans is 86-year-old Harry Wisdom, a decorated U.S. Army helicopter pilot who earned the Silver Star for heroism during the Vietnam War. In a gesture that underscores how deeply the boys efforts have resonated with those they seek to honor, Wisdom decided that his prestigious medal could serve a new purpose.
"He very graciously brought that [Silver Star] and gave that to the boys last year at the lemonade stand as a sign of his appreciation for their work and everything they're doing to support veterans," Angela said. "He wrote them an incredible letter, and so it's just been a very special connection that we look forward to every year."
Tee It Up for the Troops, founded in 2005 and headquartered in Burnsville, Minnesota, has grown into a significant force in the veterans support space. Its mission is carried out under the leadership of executive director and president Chris LaRocque, himself an Army Reserve officer with multiple overseas deployments and combat experience.
"We've we've raised, just over $19 million in funds that have gone to directly support veterans and their families," LaRocque told Fox News Digital, noting that the organization has assisted some 400,000 military families over its 21-year history. That impact is driven not only by its nationwide slate of 45 golf tournaments this year, but also by a signature annual event in Florida known as REUNION.
"REUNION brings together combat veterans and battle buddies, that they've lost connection with, as well as some of their family members," said LaRocque. "We go through a lot of their stories, through shared experiences. We have small group leaders and mentors there, and it's really a powerful experience and really a unique thing."
LaRocque is quick to highlight the Dingels brothers as emblematic of the kind of citizen-led patriotism that keeps the countrys civic fabric intact. "We'll receive donations that are made out to Noah and Cole's lemonade stand or Tee It Up for the Troops," he said. "What a cool thing that these young entrepreneurs, young men that are growing, want to do something bigger than themselves."
"What a great message for all of us in our country, especially at the 250th anniversary of our founding," he added, pointing to the upcoming milestone as a reminder of the nations enduring ideals. For LaRocque, the connection between that anniversary and the sacrifices of service members is not abstract but deeply personal.
"The reason we're able to to celebrate the 250th is because of generations of men and women that have sacrificed for it, sometimes ultimately with their lives," he said, stressing that despite current challenges and divisions, he believes America remains "the greatest country in the world." That conviction is reinforced, he suggested, when he sees children like Noah and Cole choosing gratitude and service over apathy or entitlement.
"What's so special to me is that we've got some, some young men that are seeing that more than many. and doing something about it," said LaRocque of the brothers efforts. "They're like stepping up and going, 'hey, here's something we could do. I see this as like a gap. I want to help our community and veterans in our community and do something bigger than just an individual effort.' And, I think it's special."
Login